the very first thing that struck Mongo about this image was that it had an artificially "flat" look about it. Two very quick adjustments in PS first using "auto curves" on the whole image and then a little selective raising of the shadows on the dog only using "shadows/highlights

Mongo has found the "auto curves" tool to be one of the most useful if an image looks a little off is some respect - luminance, colour cast etc. The very big "However" is that this tool either gives you a near perfect result or an absolutely terrible one. You will know immediately which of these you get. Luckily, if it is the wrong result, you can always "undo" that adjustment. For the most part, Mongo has found it hits the mark 8 or 9 times out of 10 and is therefore worth a try in the right circumstances.

Thanks again. I had to select another picture, the first one was not sharp. Changed curves and lightend the shadow, some sharpening too. In Snapseed on my iPhone. Trying with auto-curves nex time. That will be in LR I guess.